Having Robots Run Warehouses When Crisis Hits

Forbes - Mar 11th, 2025
Open on Forbes

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted significant vulnerabilities in global supply chains, which struggled with empty shelves and delayed deliveries. As e-commerce continues to grow, with an estimated 21% of retail purchases happening online by 2025, companies are increasingly turning to automation to meet consumer demand for rapid delivery. Amazon has deployed over 750,000 AI-powered robots, allowing for efficient order fulfillment and rapid scaling during peak periods. Similarly, Walmart is investing in automation, with robotic forklifts and high-tech distribution centers, to improve efficiency and address labor shortages. These innovations help free human workers for higher-value tasks, enhancing employee satisfaction and retention.

Global uncertainties, such as shifting trade policies and geopolitical chaos, are further complicating supply chain reliability. Many businesses are considering local manufacturing to mitigate risks, but this often comes with higher costs. To remain competitive, companies are adopting a phased approach to automation, targeting high-impact areas first. Automation not only involves robotics but also intelligent software that optimizes operations. This continuous evolution is essential for businesses to adapt to market dynamics and ensure preparedness for future disruptions. Effective automation strategies will define the future of supply chains, enhancing the storage, movement, and delivery of goods.

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RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article effectively highlights the growing role of automation in addressing supply chain challenges, particularly in the context of e-commerce growth and global uncertainties. It presents a clear narrative and is timely, given current technological and economic trends. However, the article would benefit from greater source attribution and a more balanced exploration of the potential downsides of automation, such as job displacement. While it engages readers interested in technology and business, it could enhance its impact by incorporating diverse perspectives and deeper analysis of the social implications of automation. Overall, the article provides a solid overview of the topic but could improve by addressing these areas.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims that are generally accurate but require verification. For example, the claim that e-commerce will account for 21% of all retail purchases by 2025 is consistent with industry forecasts, but it would benefit from citation of specific studies or reports. Similarly, the deployment of over 750,000 AI-powered robots by Amazon is a significant claim that aligns with known trends in automation but needs confirmation from Amazon's official reports or credible sources. The story accurately highlights the impact of global uncertainty on supply chains, though specific examples or data would strengthen this claim.

6
Balance

The article primarily focuses on the benefits and necessity of automation in response to supply chain challenges, particularly in the context of e-commerce growth. While it acknowledges the challenges of labor shortages and global uncertainties, it does not explore potential downsides of automation, such as job displacement or the initial costs involved. The piece could improve balance by incorporating perspectives from labor organizations or critics of automation. Overall, the article leans towards a pro-automation stance without sufficiently addressing counterarguments or alternative viewpoints.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured and clearly communicates its main points about the impact of automation on supply chains. The language is straightforward, and the narrative flows logically from the challenges posed by the pandemic to the solutions offered by automation. The use of examples, such as Amazon's and Walmart's automation efforts, helps illustrate the points effectively. However, the article could benefit from more detailed explanations of technical terms like 'robotic sortation systems' to ensure full comprehension by a general audience.

5
Source quality

The story lacks direct attribution to specific sources, which affects the credibility of its claims. While it mentions well-known companies like Amazon and Walmart, it does not cite any official statements, reports, or studies. The lack of diverse sources or expert opinions diminishes the reliability of the information presented. Including authoritative sources or referencing industry reports would enhance the article's credibility and provide a more robust foundation for its claims.

6
Transparency

The article provides a clear narrative about the need for automation in supply chains but lacks transparency in terms of data sources and methodology. It does not disclose the basis for its statistical claims or the criteria for assessing automation strategies. The absence of such details makes it challenging for readers to evaluate the impartiality of the information. Greater transparency regarding the sources of data and the author's affiliations or potential conflicts of interest would improve the article's trustworthiness.

Sources

  1. https://inviarobotics.com/blog/forbes-council-bringing-warehouses-of-the-past-into-the-future/
  2. https://www.informationweek.com/it-leadership/tech-company-layoffs-the-covid-tech-bubble-bursts-sep-14
  3. https://iiom-web.org/news.php